The Golden Rule: 15 kg Checked + 7 kg Cabin
For most domestic economy class flights in India, a standard allowance has been established across major carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air. Passengers are typically permitted one checked-in bag weighing up to 15 kg and one cabin bag weighing no more
than 7 kg. However, Air India often provides a more generous allowance, sometimes offering up to 25 kg for checked luggage on domestic routes depending on the fare type. It is crucial to remember that these are general guidelines. Airlines have introduced tiered fare structures where the cheapest tickets might not include any free checked baggage at all, requiring you to purchase it separately. Always verify the specific allowance mentioned on your ticket before you start packing.
Understanding the 'One Cabin Bag' Mandate
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) enforces a 'one cabin bag' rule to reduce airport congestion and speed up security checks. This means passengers are allowed one primary piece of hand luggage. However, most airlines also permit one small personal item, such as a handbag, camera bag, or a slim laptop bag, which must fit under the seat in front of you. The combined weight of the cabin bag and the personal item is where rules can differ. For instance, IndiGo allows a 7 kg cabin bag plus a separate 3 kg personal item, while other airlines might count the personal item within the total 7 kg cabin limit. To be safe, assume your main carry-on should not exceed 7 kg and its dimensions should be around 55cm x 35cm x 25cm.
Fare Tiers Have Changed the Game
The simple days of a uniform baggage allowance for all economy passengers are over. Airlines like Air India and IndiGo have unbundled their fares into different categories such as 'Value', 'Classic', 'Flex', or 'Saver'. A 'Value' or 'Saver' fare might only include cabin baggage, with checked luggage available as a paid add-on. A 'Flex' fare, on the other hand, could offer a more generous 25 kg allowance and allow for two checked bags. This tiered system means two passengers in the same cabin could have completely different baggage entitlements. The most critical step before any flight is to check your e-ticket, which will explicitly state your free baggage allowance. This will save you from costly surprises at the check-in counter.
The High Cost of Excess Baggage
Exceeding your baggage allowance is one of the quickest ways to inflate your travel costs. Airlines charge steep fees for extra weight, and paying at the airport counter is always the most expensive option. For example, IndiGo has been known to charge around ₹550 per extra kilogram for domestic flights at the airport. If you know your luggage will be overweight, the smartest and most economical strategy is to pre-book extra baggage online. Most airline websites and apps allow you to purchase additional weight or extra pieces at a significant discount, sometimes up to 33% cheaper than airport rates. A small digital luggage scale, available online for a few hundred rupees, is a wise investment to avoid this situation entirely.
Special Items: Power Banks and More
There are strict rules for certain items, primarily for safety reasons. Power banks are the most common point of confusion. They are strictly prohibited in checked-in luggage and must be carried in your cabin bag. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also sets a limit, typically allowing power banks up to 100 Wh. Items like dry coconut are often banned from all baggage due to their flammable nature, and liquids, gels, and aerosols in cabin bags must adhere to the 100ml container rule. When travelling internationally from India, be aware of updated customs rules, which as of 2026, have shifted to a weight-based system for bringing in jewelry (40g for women, 20g for men) and increased the general duty-free allowance to ₹75,000 for Indian residents.
